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Sensitive Plumbing

Photographed
Location
Cromwell Hospital, London
A laminated white sign on a wood-grain cubicle wall asking users to flush only toilet paper because the toilet has sensitive plumbing.
A laminated plea for restraint, issued on behalf of unusually delicate plumbing.

Transcription

Please Flush ONLY Toilet Paper. No sanitary products, hand towels or wipes. This toilet has sensitive plumbing, our plumber will thank you!

Commentary

The phrase “sensitive plumbing” carries a degree of emotional delicacy that ordinary drainage does not usually claim for itself. The closing assurance that the plumber will be grateful gives the notice a faintly personal quality, as though good lavatory manners are ultimately a service to one specific tradesman.